Mohamed late penalty saves Kotoko blushes

A 93rd minute penalty goal by substitute Yakubu Mohamed gave Ghana’s Asante Kotoko a narrow win over visiting CARA of Congo on Sunday in Kumasi.

In a game that witnessed five penalties, which saw four wasted, three for kotoko and the other on the part of the visitors, it took yet another last gasp penalty for the homers to settle matters.

The home team dominated proceedings right from the blast of the whistle bombarding the goal area of CARA but the Congolese giants were resolute in defence.

Kotoko were awarded the first penalty after six minutes when Emmanuel Gyamfi was fouled in the box, but Sadick Adams blasted wide to end the first half goalless.

Back from recess and both team continued from where they left off with Kotoko dominating the exchanges. They were awarded a penalty in the 54th minute and again it was wasted as goalkeeper Massa Chansel saved captain Amos Frimpong’s kick.

CARA managed to create their own few attacks, and it was dangerous, but they lacked the final bite in attack.

The Porcupine Warriors were awarded another penalty in the 67th minute and goalkeeper Massa Chansel again saved Baba Mahama’s kick.

CARA had a chance to get an away goal after they were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute but Kotoko goalkeeper Felix Annan denied goalkeeper Massa Chancel from the spot.

In added-on time, Mohamed converted a penalty to hand Kotoko a slim lead ahead of the second leg on Wednesday, 21 February 2018 in Brazzaville.